Can I extend my holiday like a day trip in Kathmandu or other Activities?
Yes, you can extend your holiday in Nepal for sure. If you have some extra days after the Annapurna Circuit Thorong La Pass trek, then you should not miss trying out these:
Culturally inclined adventure junkies or nature admirers, there are options available for all, so be sure to keep them in mind if you decide to stay a little longer, extend your trek trip and witness the vibrant diversity and awe-inspiring landscape of Nepal beyond the trail.
Add on Optional (Thorong La Pass Trek in a Horse)
For whoever feels too tired to continue the trek after Thorong La Pass (due to any reason), then Horses are available for you. You can hire horses from Manang, Yak Kharka, Thorong Phedi or Thorong High Camp cross Thorong La Pass and can reach Muktinath temple by sitting on it. It will cost you around USD 200, sometimes (depending upon distance), and trekkers alos get one person (as a control man) with the horse. The arrangement is normally made through teahouses or guides. So hiring horses is, in fact, a good option as a backup too for tired trekkers, which would give relaxation and continue your journey, plus the opportunity to see the Himalayas even in adverse situations.
Free airport pickup and drop from the company
At Happy Land Treks, we help you make the most of your time in Nepal by offering free airport pickup and drop-off services. As soon as you land at the Tribhuvan International Airport, our friendly representative will be there waiting for you with a placard displaying your name. After helping you with your luggage, he will transfer you to a private vehicle and take you to your hotel in Kathmandu.
Our airport pickups and drops are scheduled according to your flight itinerary so that there’s no waiting around at the airport or rushing to get there when it’s time for you to go home.
Shortly after arrival there will be a full briefing with our team. Trekking members can check through equipment and get advice on what to take from the offering trekking members. This optional additional service is provided free of charge to maximize your chances of success and enjoyment.
Can I store my luggage/Suitcase in Kathmandu?
Preparing for the Annapurna Circuit Thorong La Pass trek and don’t know what to do with your extra luggage in Kathmandu? No worries, we've got you covered. You can store any of your non-trekking stuff either at our office or the hotel you are staying in. We make sure everything will stay locked and secured till the end of your adventure. If you pack light, it will be much easier to walk during the trek and especially to cross high altitude Thorong La Pass. Our clients have always been happy with this service after they complete Annapurna Circuit Trek, and when you return from the mountains, your luggage will be waiting for you, safe and easy to pick up. This is just one of many ways we try to make your Annapurna Circuit Trek and Tour easiest for you.
Differences between solo trek, private trek, and group trek
Solo Trek
Solo trekking gives you the ability to plan your trip exactly how you would like. With a private guide, porter, or both, you can go at your own pace and have nobody to worry about keeping up with or waiting for. Feel like doing 12 day’s worth of trekking in just 14 days? No worries, want to explore some additional valleys? You got it! Your guide and porter take care of all the logistics while you enjoy your hike. This is the best option for those true independent types who love personalized adventure.
Private Trek
For the groups wishing exclusivity and on demand customized itinerary, we have designed the private trek program. You can book your trek at any time, select your convenient dates and make alternations in the route depending on your group's interest. You may also include additional destinations or prolong your trek if you wish. The privacy and peacefulness will be enjoyable and perfect for friends, families and teams; there is no restriction to group size or age limit, and the duration will be as per your desire, leading to a memorable team journey.
Group Trek
Group treks are the way to go for people who love meeting new folks and enjoy traveling in a social setup. The groups usually comprise 2-10 members from varied backgrounds. Since these treks have fixed departure dates and itineraries, you will have to adjust with the others on the trip as per the common schedule and pace. However, group treks are economical as well as they give you an opportunity to connect with adventurers like you and exchange tales.
Family Trek
Family trekking is designed to be safe, comfortable and bonding. It is open for all age categories, from children to old, with the guide taking care of all its members. The itinerary can be arranged depending on your family's ability; this type is making a holiday for everyone in the family for a long-time memory where you walk with your kids.
Drinking Water on The Annapurna Circuit Trekking
You have several options to get drinking water on the trail. Most of the teahouses and guesthouses provide boiled or filtered drinking water which should be fine. If you do not trust any other source, you can fill your bottle with taps or streams and use purification tablets or SteriPEN inflow-through UV light devices to clean it. Purification tabs are easy to find everywhere in Kathmandu (or even Pokhara). SteriPENs are better arranged from the home country. For usage, first, ensure that your water is clear; pre-filter if necessary, insert SteriPEN into your bottle and switch on; stir gently till UV turns off; this is normally 60-90 sec for a liter of water – this way, no microbes such bacteria will be left in this drinking water method.
What To Expect On Annapurna Circuit Thorong La Pass - 16 Days?
Annapurna Circuit via Thorong La Pass (16 days), and you’ll be trekking over the highest point of the circuit, Thorong La Pass, at 5,416 meters. Trek through a wide range of landscapes, from subtropical forests to alpine valleys, passing through Tibetan villages. You will be rewarded by the view of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machapuchare, along with encounters with people from different ethnic backgrounds.
Annapurna Circuit Thorong La Pass - 16 Days: Is it safe for solo or female travelers?
The Annapurna Circuit, with the challenge of Thorong La Pass, is safe for solo and female travellers, but be well-prepared. Female solo trekkers do this trek quite often, but as there are very isolated sections along the trek, it is better to hire a local guide with the local travel agency. Guides from local agencies will make sure you have professional help during your trip, especially on high-altitude passes like Thorong La Pass. Happyland Treks have organized many trips for solo females on this route, along with other trails like Everest, Langtang and in terms of comfort and safety, we really take care at the utmost level. The locals are friendly, and the trail is mostly safe. The local guide not only ensures your safety but also assists you in technical parts of the pass as well as provides information about culture thereby helping you engage more nicely.
Typical Day on The Annapurna Circuit Trek
The trip starts with the picturesque drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar and Koto. It is about a 5-6 hour drive each (two days), and we begin trekking the next day in the morning. We will have a pre-ordered breakfast at about 7:00 am so that everything is ready for us. We will start our trek at around 7:45 am.
We walk about an average of 5-7 hours each day, stopping for lunch and tea along the way at the tea houses. This hike takes you through luscious landscapes and beautiful hot springs in a mix of both natural beauty/culture immersion and agriculture.
We stay overnight each evening in guest houses/tea houses along the trail of Annapurna region after enjoying a warming dinner at around 7:00 pm. You can rest or do whatever you like until bedtime; more rest during trekking means better acclimatization. Likely ways to spend your evenings are discussing your experiences with your guide/local people/especially other trekkers, and reading books on Nepal/trekking or strolling village to Mingle with local People & experience their lifestyle will help make lifelong memories of Annapurna holidays.
Accommodation during the Annapurna Circuit Himalaya
During the Annapurna Circuit, you will be accommodated in tea houses or lodges with twin-bedded rooms. These are minimalist facilities with simple wooden mattresses and blankets. Bathrooms and toilets are shared, and showering (hot water usually at a fee) is shared amongst guests.
At higher altitudes, facilities tend to be more basic, and toilet facilities are commonly found outside the rooms. Rooms are small but offer a comfortable base against which to rest after a tiring day of trekking.
Device charging and Wi-Fi access come at the cost of additional fees, especially in off-grid places. Private rooms may be reserved in the villages at lower altitudes in advance. For maintaining warmth and comfort, particularly at high elevations, a personal sleeping bag is recommended.
Training Requirement For Annapurna Circuit Trek
Annapurna Circuit Thorong La Pass Trek is an intense trekking and it demands standard physical fitness. Although professional training is not required, practicing your endurance, stamina and strength for a couple of weeks prior to the hike is very advisable. Activities by walking, running, or going up the stairs may contribute to increased cardiovascular fitness--a must-have for steep climbs and long-distance trekking.
Exercises, and in particular, leg and core strengthening, will also enable you to carry a backpack and move safely on uneven ground. By having already experienced high-altitude trekking, you will be ahead, but absolute beginners can also succeed with enough determination and preparation.
Mountain Sickness on Annapurna Circuit Thorong La Pass - 16 Days
The Annapurna Circuit Thorong La Pass trek takes you to altitudes over 5,400 meters, increasing the risk of mountain sickness. You will experience some mild symptoms like headache, dizziness and nausea above 3,000 meters. However, severe conditions such as HAPE or HACE can set in if your body fails to acclimatize, and these need immediate medical help.
Prevention on the Trek
You must take proper care of your health and avoid altitude sickness or mountain sickness. To do so, make sure that you have enough rest days in between for better acclimatization, especially before crossing Thorong La Pass, as it is at a great height. Keep yourself hydrated at all times; avoid alcohol, caffeine and smoking. Eat energy-providing food, and you can even take Diamox only as a preventive measure suggested by your doctor. Walk slowly but steadily and stay away from any kind of exertion till required. Watch out for the symptoms pretty well, and if serious, descend immediately. Many guided tours provide oxygen cylinders or oximeters in case of an emergency.
Food During the Trek
On the challenging Annapurna Circuit Thorong La Pass trek, you will be offered with impressive food options. Teahouses on the trail serve Nepali and Western dishes. However, one thing is common everywhere: the most popular dish is the high-energy Dal Bhat. It includes rice, lentil soup, vegetable curry, and pickles that come with unlimited warm servings.
For breakfast, choose between porridge, pancakes or eggs. Meanwhile, lunch/ dinner menus include chow mein (fried noodles), momos (steamed dumplings), soups and pasta dishes. It’s hygienic, though it may not taste similar to city fare. As altitude progresses, choices diminish. Garlic soup is the favorite food for trekkers, which is also helpful in reducing altitude sickness symptoms, and its hot, savory taste gives you comfort as well as health. Along with difficult trials, there are a lot of varieties of food where you will get your required nutrition to make your trip easier.
What is the Best Season for Annapurna Circuit Thorong La Pass - 16 Days
Annapurna Circuit via Thorong La Pass trek can be done in off and on-seasons howe; ver March to May (spring) and September to October (autumn) is the best time for this trek. There will be fewer trekkers during the off-season but more people during the on-season. Also, get ready for unpredicted weather, as the weather can change at any time during the trek itself.
Spring (March to May): During springtime, the Annapurna trekking temperature is mild, with warm days and cold nights. The skies are usually clear, and chances of precipitation are quite low at lower elevations. Don’t miss out on breathtaking rhododendron blooms that pattern with various colors along low-altitude trails.
Monsoon (June to August): Monsoons should be avoided as the path gets slippery, there might be landslides on the way, and also, because of the clouds, you won’t be able to see anything from the mountain top, thus ruining your entire trek ash the trekkers go there for a view.
Autumn (September to November): This is one of the best seasons for going for this trek as in this season, you’ll find a clear sky, extremely good weather and a great panoramic view of mountains. The only disadvantage is that it’s a bit crowded during this time.
December to February: Winter brings sunny days and clear mountain views, but nights are very cold, especially at higher altitudes. Snow at Thorong La Pass can make the trek impossible, while most of the tea houses will be closed.
Equipment and Trekking Kit Necessary for Annapurna Circuit Thorong La Pass - 16 Days
The Annapurna Circuit Thorong La Pass requires a comprehensive trekking kit due to its challenging nature. You will need a 50-60 liter backpack and a cold-rated sleeping bag. Layering is important—bring moisture-wicking base layers, a fleece or down jacket, and a waterproof/windproof shell. Sturdy, worn-in hiking boots are crucial for the rough terrain, and lightweight shoes are great for relaxing in the lodges. Don’t forget your trekking poles, personal first aid kit, sunglasses, and gloves. For more information, read this blog "Nepal Trekking Equipment - Nepal Trekking List - Nepal Trekking Item".
Toilet and Shower in the Mountain Lodge
In the mountain lodges, you will find western toilets as well as squat toilets; however, the western ones are more common. For showering, it is best to opt for hot showers only, which can be availed by either hot bucket water or gas geyser systems. Hot showers cost extra, generally around $3 to $5 per person. It is always a better option to carry your toiletries, including toilet paper, soap and shampoo, as these make it easier and cleaner – making sure you start fresh every day.
Mobile, Camera Battery Charge, and WIFI on the Trek
Charging:
During this extended trip, you will have charging facilities only in the teahouse’s dining charging points and for that, it costs from 3-5 dollars per device. There are no plugs in the room to charge, so always carry a power bank or extra set of batteries to make sure your devices are charged throughout the journey.
WIFI:
Most of the tea houses have WIFI, but the connection is not reliable, especially at high altitudes. The cost for WIFI is 3-5 dollars and it’s not guaranteed to work. A local SIM card with data is much more reliable for using the internet and staying in touch with your family during a trek.
Prepare accordingly to manage charging and connectivity, allowing you to fully enjoy the natural beauty and adventure of the Annapurna Circuit.
What is the highest altitude of the Annapurna Circuit Thorong La Pass - 16 Days
The highest altitude of this trek is Thorong La Pass (5,416m/17,769ft). You’ll sleep either at Thorong Phedi (4,525m/14,842ft) or High Camp (4,800m/15,748ft) the night before crossing the pass. It’s a longer version of the circuit that gives you more time to explore diverse landscapes and acclimatize.
Money exchange in Kathmandu
For the Annapurna Circuit and Thorong La Pass trek, it is best to arrange your finances in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Both cities have numerous banks, ATMs and money exchange counters where you can convert your foreign currency into Nepalese rupees. Hotels also help with the service. Thamel in Kathmandu and Lakeside in Pokhara are the central points for all money-related facilities. On the trail, ATMs are nonexistent, and money exchange services do not exist either. You will have to carry all the cash required for your extras during the 16-day adventure. Credit cards are rarely accepted on the mountain; thus, cash is important. It is better if you can manage small exchanges for ease of transactions en route.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Difficulty Level
The Annapurna Circuit Thorong La Pass Trek is challenging and requires the utmost level of physiological endurance along with mental commitment. As you ascend to Thorong La Pass (5,416m/17,769ft), you will have 10-11 hours of walking days. You must include enough time for acclimatization due to the risk of altitude sickness.
The trail ranges from as low as sub-tropical jungle to the arid climate resembling Tibetan topography below it, followed by steep ascent and descent. Weather conditions, particularly around the pass, are another variable element that necessitates some flexibility in the itinerary. Nonetheless, at such altitude, this classic journey will present you with magnificent scenery, cultural proximity and a sense of triumph over trouble provided that you have undergone.
Weather in the Annapurna Circuit Thorong La Pass - 16 Days
The Annapurna Circuit Thorong La Pass trek covers a vast range of altitude which means the weather can change anytime here. The best times to trek are spring (March to May) plus autumn (September to November) when skies are clear and conditions stable.
January:
Temperatures can drop to -15°C. Expect thick snowfall everywhere, including Thorong La Pass. Days are cold, but nights are extreme. Higher altitude trails get blocked by snow. Skies, however, remain clear.
February
The temperature ranges from -12°C to 7°C. Still a cold climate exists, but the days are getting longer. The trail is still icy and snowy – high passes Thorong La might be un-passable. Clear blue sky Himalayas view, but you need winter gear to successfully complete the trek.
March
Spring sets in with temperatures -5°C to 15°C. Snow starts to melt, making the trail sloppy and slippery. The days are sunny and bright with exceptional clearness.
April
Temperatures range from 0°C to 18°C. One of the best months for trekking as the trails are dry, the weather is cool and pleasant, and rhododendrons start to bloom; an attractive month for botanists. The mountain views are magnificent.
May:
Temperatures averaging between 5°C to 22°C. Mildly hot, but the humidity increases towards the end of the month.
June
Monsoon season starts. Temperature from 10°C to 20°C. The trail becomes wet and slippery. The upper part of the Annapurna circuit may still be in rain shadow, while the lower part gets regular summer rainfall. The sky is covered with clouds, and mountains are not often visible.
July
Temperatures hover between 12°C to 20°C. Heavy monsoon showers make the trails muddy and slippery. The peaks remain invisible. Landslides are a common occurrence at this time of the year, too.
August
Temperatures between 12°C to 20°C. The monsoon continues, but by the end of the month, it has lessened. Trails are wet, and sponges are abundant. Visibility improves slightly by late August but trekking is still hard going.
September:
With the monsoon coming to an end, temperatures range from 8°C to 18°C. Skies are clear, trails are dry, and it's a great time for trekking with lush vegetation and incredible views of the mountains. Thorong La Pass is open again.
October:
Temperatures between 5°C to 15°C. Ideal trekking conditions with stable weather, clear skies and dry trails. One of the busiest months on the circuit because of perfect weather.
November
Temperatures range from 0°C to 10°C. The days are cool and clear, providing the best views of the year. The skies are a vivid blue, with crisper air, and the trails become quieter. Nights become colder, especially at higher elevations.
December
Temperatures can drop down to between -5 to – 5 degrees. Snowfall starts, and nights are comparatively colder. The sky is mostly clear and blue, which provides the best view of the mountains. Higher trekking trails start becoming risky due to the snowfall and possible chances of avalanches.
Travel and Trekking Insurance In the High-altitude
High-altitude trekking in the Annapurna Circuit, particularly over Thorong La Pass, requires proper insurance and we highly recommend you to be clear about the terms of your insurance policy before starting the Trek. We advise you to buy comprehensive high-altitude trekking insurance, which also includes helicopter evacuation, medical treatment and loss of baggage. The pass is remote; helicopter rescues in case of emergencies are very expensive and can’t be initiated without insurance coverage. So it’s best to prepare yourself for any unforeseen risks such as altitude sickness, accidents or sudden change in itinerary due to weather conditions or any other reason while traveling at high altitudes. Trek with peace of mind and check our complete guide for more information on read through the various prices and quotes for insurances so you get along insured.
How are the Trails of Annapurna Circuit Thorong La Pass - 16 days?
The trails in the Annapurna Circuit Thorong La Pass trek are tough, but the effort is highly rewarding. You walk on easy, flat paths initially through subtropical forests and cross beautiful villages and paddy fields. Then, you walk on arid high-altitude terrain with long steep climbs towards the end, especially the last climb to Thorong La Pass, 5,416 meters. Thorong La Pass is a challenging section covered with snow sometimes during winter, and walking here requires strong technique and stamina. The trails are not technical but can be uneven as well as loose stones sometimes, narrow at times and high suspension bridges at many places. There will be yaks grazing around, monasteries located at beautiful spots and stunning Himalayan vistas following you throughout the trail.
Nepal Visa Information
You must have a passport valid for at least six months and blank pages. Bring a passport-sized photo and enough USD cash to pay for your visa. On-arrival visas are available to most nationalities at airports and land borders, but some travelers may require pre-approval. Choose a 15-, 30- or 90-day visa, depending on your trek length. If you are doing the 16-day Annapurna Circuit Thorong La Pass trek, your visa will need to last for the duration of this trip as well. Check up-to-date information about visas through Nepal’s Immigration Department‘s website before traveling.
Tipping - Tips to the guide and porter
At the end of your trek, you must tip the guide and porter. There is no standard amount for tipping; you can give as much as you like or feel it’s worth appreciating the guide’s knowledge, contribution and hard work put in by them. This is simply a way to thank them for making your trek smooth and memorable. So at least it would be nice to tip them as they really expect this from you.
Trekking Feedback
When your trek is over, you’ll be invited to a farewell dinner in Kathmandu by Happyland Treks where we hope you’ll submit your feedback and let us know how your trekking experience was. It’s an important dinner during which you can tell us about the things we did wrong or give us some suggestions to make next year’s trekkers happier. Plus, this helps other trekkers who follow our social sites and use various advertising platforms. If seeing all those shots of trekkers having fun makes them come to Nepal, then meeting up with them will make their decision to book a trip a lot easier.
